The Red Sox have filled several needs during the Winter Meetings. But, the Sox still need to fill their biggest need: a starting pitcher. The pitching market is getting smaller and smaller with pitchers like Zack Greinke, Brandon McCarthy, Dan Haren, and a few others coming off the board. One of the popular options left out there currently is Anibal Sanchez. Even though Sanchez is one of the most attractive options available, the Red Sox should stay away.

I initially thought signing Sanchez would be a great. The Red Sox could slide him into the 3rd spot of the rotation. The only concern was the price tag, which, it turns out, is really, really high.

Once reports surfaced that said Sanchez is asking for six years and $90 million, I thought better of making that move. Just because Sanchez had a terrific postseason it boosted up his value. But, it will fool teams in thinking that because of Sanchez’s amazing playoffs, he would continue those types of numbers in the next several years. If the Sox were to pay $90 million for a pitcher, it should be for an ace pitcher and not a probable 3rd starter. Signing Sanchez would not make sense unless he would perform like a No. 1 starter, which is highly unlikely.

One of Sanchez’s weaknesses is his rising ERA. His lowest ERA was 2.83 in 2006 while with the Marlins in the NL. His next lowest was in 2010, which was 3.55. His ERA has gone up every year since, to 3.86 last year. While the Sox finished 27th in ERA in 2012, and Sanchez would certainly help, that price tag is not worth it for someone whose ERA could continue to rise.

Overall, Sanchez is a good pitcher who would help any ball club. But considering the asking price, signing him would head-scratcher.